Illinois could be next state to legalize medical marijuana

On Wednesday the Illinois House is set to vote on a proposal that would create a pilot program for the use of medical marijuana.

If the State of Illinois does become the 19th state in the nation to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes, it could also reap a benefit.

If the measure passes patients would only be able to purchase 2.5 ounces at a time from a dispensary. And those businesses would be regulated by the State of Illinois.

CARTERVILLE, IL (KFVS) -

The use of marijuana for medical purposes could soon be legal in the Land of Lincoln.

On Wednesday the Illinois House is set to vote on a proposal that would create a pilot program for the use of medical marijuana.

"Morally I don't agree with any marijuana usage or drug usage," said Shaya Simelton of Makanda. "I feel like there are alternative medicines and natural medicines that may be more beneficial, that can help out as much as medical marijuana."

On Tuesday more then 200 physicians lobbied the Illinois Legislature to legalize the drug for their patients who have a serious illness.

"I think that's kind of something that is more up to the doctors," said Sean Parker of Charleston. "And it should be between the patient and the doctor, more then it would be legislature wise, If the doctors say that it's a helpful thing then I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be legal."

If the State of Illinois does become the 19th state in the nation to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes, it could also reap a benefit.

"I've never done marijuana or any other drug. But I feel like we ought to be collecting taxes on it, they're doing it any way," said Bill Briggs of Macomb.

If the measure passes patients would only be able to purchase 2.5 ounces at a time from a dispensary. And those businesses would be regulated by the State of Illinois.